ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Power
NTPC, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and MPI Limited sign MoU for demonstrating Hydrogen co-firing in Auraiya Gas Power Plant
Hydrogen co-firing in gas turbines play key role in reducing CO2 emissions
Under this MoU, both companies will collaborate to carry out the study and identify key actions for introducing hydrogen co-firing
The study will identify key actions for co-firing for various percentages of hydrogen
NTPC Ltd., signed a Memorandum of Understanding  with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Japan and its subsidiary Mitsubishi Power India Private Limited to demonstrate the feasibility for Hydrogen co-firing blended with natural gas in MHI 701D gas turbines installed at NTPC Auraiya Gas Power Plant in Uttar Pradesh. The total installed capacity of the Auraiya Gas Power Plant is 663 MW with four gas turbines operating in combined cycle mode. The MoU was signed by both companies in the presence of Shri Ujjwal Kanti Bhattacharya, Director , NTPC Ltd., Mr Tatsuto Nagayasu, CMD, Mitsubishi Power India and Mr Hiroyuki Shinohara, Vice President, Mitsubishi Power India.
Achieving decarbonizing targets requires a concerted and wide-ranging roadmap across all energy intensive sectors. As a part of this road map, hydrogen co-firing in gas turbines can play a key role in reducing CO2 emissions. NTPC Ltd., being the largest power generator in India, intends to play a major role in energy transition and achieving the COP26 commitments. As a part of this initiative, NTPC is exploring various new hydrogen generation technologies along with hydrogen usage so as to ensure future readiness, develop the required capabilities, and technical expertise, and align with the national decarbonizing and hydrogen mission targets.
Under this MoU, both companies will collaborate to carry out the study and identify key actions for introducing hydrogen co-firing at NTPC Auraiya Gas-based combined cycle power plant. The study will identify key actions for co-firing for various percentages of hydrogen e.g. 5%, 15%, 30%, 50% and 100% and the hydrogen required for the project will be supplied by NTPC.
“NTPC is committed to play a key role in India’s energy transition journey as the country marches ahead to achieve the net-zero target and climate goals. NTPC is pioneering various hydrogen-related initiatives and is carrying out R&D works in this field so as to bring in a technology which can provide green, affordable, reliable and sustainable power for all. This MoU is one of the few steps taken by NTPC to meet these targets. We believe that partnering with MHI Limited which has global expertise in this technology will help us meet our objectives under the National Hydrogen Mission.” said, Shri Manish Kumar Srivastava, Executive Director, NTPC Ltd.
“The momentous event of the signing of the MOU signifies the focus of NTPC and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries towards achieving the goal of decarbonisation of the power generation sector and their commitment to addressing the pressing issue of climate change.” said Tatsuto Nagayasu, CMD, Mitsubishi Power India.
Ministry of Education
Cabinet approves Revised Cost Estimates for establishment of permanent campus of new NITs
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the Revised Cost Estimates  for establishment of permanent campuses of new National Institutes of Technology , at a total cost of Rs.4371.90 crore for the period till 2021 - 2022.
These NITs were established in the year 2009 and started functioning from academic year 2010-2011 in their respective temporary campus with very limited space and infrastructure. The projects at the permanent campus could not be completed in the manner envisaged due to late finalization of land required for construction and also the cost approved for construction works was far below the actual requirements.
With the approved Revised Cost Estimates, these NITs will be fully functional from their respective permanent campuses by 31st March, 2022. The overall student capacity in these campuses will be 6320.
NITs are Institutions of National Importance known to be among the best teaching Institutions in the field of engineering and technology and have made a remarkable presence with their high-quality technical education. These Institutes are capable of producing high quality technical manpower which will fuel entrepreneurship and generation of job opportunities throughout the country.
Prime Minister's Office
PM meets US Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi met US Secretary of Commerce, H.E. Gina Raimondo yesterday.
The Prime Minister Office tweeted :
"US Secretary of Commerce @SecRaimondo had a fruitful meeting with PM @narendramodi yesterday."
Prime Minister's Office
PM expresses happiness over inauguration of various developmental works in Baramulla District of J&K
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed happiness over inauguration of several key infrastructure projects including 7 Custom Hiring Centres for farmers, 9 Poly Green Houses for SHGs in Baramulla District of J&K.
Sharing tweet threads of Office of Lieutenant Governor of J&K, the Prime Minister tweeted;
“The remarkable range of developmental works inaugurated stand as a testament to our commitment towards enhancing the quality of life for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the aspirational districts.”
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Suresh Prabhu meets Schneider Electric Chairman
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, said that the acquisition of Larsen & Toubro Electrical and Industry Automation division by Schneider Electricwill spur growth in domestic manufacturing in line with the Make in India initiative of the Government of India. He was speaking during a meeting with Jean Pascal Tricoire, Chairman and Chief Executive Office, Schneider Electric in New Delhi today. He said that this project, combined with Schneider Electric’s digital know-how, will result in greater domestic production, increased exports, reduced imports and effectively provide a wide range of product offerings at competitive prices.
Schneider Electric, a global leader in Energy Management and Automation advanced Technologies, has entered into an agreement to acquire Larsen & Toubro Electrical and Industry Automation division. Schneider Electric and Temasek, the investment fund owned by Singapore government, will invest together in this operation a total amount of Rs. 14,000 crores.
Suresh Prabhu further stated that the project will be one of the largest ever investments in manufacturing sector by a French company in the country and will contribute to both Invest in India and Make in India initiatives. With the project, India will become the third largest country of operation for Schneider Electric at par with France.
The Minister expressed hope that the Schneider electric India will make efforts to develop India as the fourth hub globally to cater to the growing Indian market as well as develop it as the manufacturing and R&D hub for export to other new and emerging markets, including Africa, the Middle East, and South-East Asia. The other three hubs are the United States of America, France and China. The project will also benefit the wider Indian economy by creating significant employment opportunities in India. It will alsocreate significant personnel development and global employment opportunities for local talent with enhanced skills in Digital and loT technologies.
Ministry of Science & Technology
850 oxygen plants being set up in various districts of country: Secretary DRDO
A total of 850 oxygen plants are being set up in various districts of the country from PM Cares Fund for catering to the needs of the country to fight the pandemic COVID-19, Dr C Satish Reddy, Secretary, Defence Research & Development Organisation , highlighted at the Department of Science & Technology  Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Discourse Series.
He added that DRDO was prepared to provide all kinds of support when the need arises, and more flying hospitals would be ready, as was provided by DRDO in the second wave of COVID-19, to help the people.
“We established temporary hospitals specific to COVID 19 in many cities. These are modular hospitals, we call it flying hospitals, and these have been made in a way that the virus does not go out of hospitals. If there is any third wave, all the hospitals will be taking the load, and the government is discussing these aspects with various stakeholders,” said Dr Reddy.
He also underlined how DRDO is primarily carrying out research in advanced technology in defence and also concentrating on developing high-quality technology that will be beneficial for the people, at lower cost to match international level
Dr. Reddy was speaking at the online discourse series New India @ 75, organised by National Council for Science & Technology Communication and Vigyan Prasar.
Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST talked about various steps taken by the Central Government and DST to fight the pandemic and how to keep vaccines safe and to ensure it reaches every nook and corner of the country. He also spoke about ways in which Artificial Intelligence  could play a greater role in fighting the pandemic.
“Technologies have been developed for storing and transporting vaccines to every nook and corner of the country. New ways of storing vaccines have been developed as per the Indian conditions. Convergence of technologies is the future, and AI can play a great role in diagnostics, telemedicine and will have tremendous importance in remote monitoring, diagnostics and decision-making in fighting pandemic,” Prof Sharma said.
Speaking about the 50 years of DST, he pointed out that it has been a long journey, and foundational technology has been seeded, establishing DST as a nursery to help, nurture and grow young talents for the progress and development of the country.
Ministry of Coal
86 Coal Mines of Seven States auctioned so far Under Commercial Auction launched in 2020
Ministry of Coal has been conducting commercial auction of coal blocks since launch of Commercial Auction scheme by Hon’ble Prime Minister in June, 2020. Till date 86 coal mines have been successfully auctioned under commercial coal mine auctions. Details of revenue generated, state-wise from such auctions, till date, is as below:
|
|
State wise, revenue generated from Upfront and Monthly Payment from mines auctioned for commercial purpose 
|
|
State
|
|
Revenue in 2020-21
|
|
Revenue in 2021-22
|
|
Revenue in 2022-23
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
28.786
|
|
14.93
|
|
481.542
|
|
Jharkhand
|
|
35.341
|
|
2.255
|
|
38.244
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
0
|
|
225.371
|
|
20.391
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
0
|
|
52.964
|
|
8.993
|
|
Odisha
|
|
38.764
|
|
125
|
|
109.302
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
18.6
|
|
Assam
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
0.185
|
|
Total
|
|
102.891
|
|
420.52
|
|
677.257
Total 99 coal mines have been auctioned by Ministry of Coal for captive end uses and commercial mining sine 2017. It is incorrect to say all mines are struggling to start operation. Due to proactive and coordinated approach of Ministry of Coal and with support of State Governments, 55 mines have got mine operation permission.
As per Coal Mines/ Block Development and Production Agreement of commercial coal mines auctions executed between Nominated Authority, Ministry of Coal and Successful Bidders, Schedule II coal mines have been granted 9 months from the date of Vesting Order to operationalize coal blocks. Mines other than Schedule-II mines have been granted 51 months for fully explored coal mines and 66 months for partially explored coal mines. However, some of the commercial mines have become operational even before the scheduled time.
This information was given by Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
India-Germany Leaders’ Video-Teleconference
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held a video-teleconference with his German counterpart, Federal Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel today.
The Prime Minister appreciated the long-standing role of Chancellor Merkel in providing stable and strong leadership at the European and global stage, and thanked her for guiding the growth of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership.
The two leaders discussed key issues of mutual importance including the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, bilateral ties, regional and global issues, particularly India-EU relations.
The Prime Minister briefed Chancellor Merkel on the developments in India with regard to vaccine development and assured Chancellor Merkel of India’s commitment to deploy its capacities for the benefit of the world. He conveyed his best wishes for early containment of the new wave of infections in Germany and other European countries.
The Prime Minister welcomed Germany’s decision to join the International Solar Alliance , and expressed his desire to further strengthen cooperation with Germany under the platform of Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure .
Noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of setting up of bilateral relations between India and Germany and 20th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership, the two leaders agreed to hold the sixth Inter-Governmental Consultations  at an early date in 2021 and to set an ambitious agenda for the same.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Dedicated ESIC Medical College and 510 Bedded Hospital, Faridabad  to the Nation
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said that the Central Government is working to provide good quality medical care to every citizen of the country. While dedicating ESIC Medical College and 510 bedded Hospital, Faridabad to the Nation, the Prime Minister said that this Medical College will provide medical facilities to the workers and their family members of the region.
The ESIC Medical College and 510 bedded Hospital, Faridabad has been constructed with a project cost of Rs.595 Crore  in a sprawling area of 30 Acres. The associated hospital is equipped with state of art equipment and provides medical services in all specialities as envisaged under ESI Act. Services/Facilities such as casualty/emergency, OPDs, wards, modular OTs, ICUs, dialysis, blood bank, radio diagnostics, etc. are available in the hospital. The college also has in campus hostel for Boys & Girls and residence for Doctors/Nurses/Staffs. Besides, the college also provides indoors & outdoors sports facilities for extracurricular activities.
To witness the dedication of Medical College and Hospital by the Prime Minister, an event was organised at Faridabad, where Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar, Minister of State for Social Justice and Employment and Shri Vipul Goyal, Minister of Industries, Environment and Industrial Training, Govt. of Haryana participated. Other dignitaries present on the occasion include Shri Satyadeo Narayan Arya, Governor, Haryana, Shri Manohar Lal, Chief Minister, Haryana, Sushri Uma Bharati, Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation and Smt. Kavita Jain, Minister of Industry, Govt. of Haryana.
The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation  is a pioneer Social Security organization providing comprehensive social security benefits like reasonable Medical Care and a range of Cash Benefits in times of need such as employment injury, sickness, death etc.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Institute of Driving Training and Research
A scheme to set up Institute of Driving Training and Research  in States/UTs has been implemented by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways . The population criteria for sanction of IDTR under the scheme is one IDTR per 5 Crore Population during the 15th Financial Commission Period.
As on date, MoRTH has sanctioned 31 IDTRs , throughout the country. State-wise breakup is given in the Annexure–A. As per the population criteria , States namely Bihar, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal are eligible for sanction of new IDTR during the 15th Financial Commission period. The proposals under the scheme are initiated by the State Government.
One IDTR at Naya Raipur in Chhattisgarh has already been sanctioned under the scheme. As per scheme provisions, the State does not qualify for another IDTR. The infrastructure created under the Scheme includes 10-15 acres land, buildings covering classrooms, office and staff rooms, laboratory, workshops, library and Hostels, vehicles, equipment, driver training simulators, driving range etc.
The proposal under the scheme is initiated by the State Government. Private Partner under the scheme is decided by State Government as per their requirement.
As per Scheme Guidelines, MoRTH provides one time assistance of 100% of the capital investment subject to maximum of Rs. 17.25 Crore per IDTR as per following break up:
-
- Civil Construction: Rs. 14 Crore
- Office and Workshop equipment: Rs. 0.75 Crore
- Vehicle and Simulator: Rs. 2.50 Crore
Annexure – A
Statement regarding Institute of Driving Training and Research.
|
|
S. No
|
|
State
|
|
Location
|
|
1
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
Vijayawada
|
|
2
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
Dasri
|
|
3
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
Dhone, Kurnool
|
|
4
|
|
Assam
|
|
Guwahati
|
|
5
|
|
Bihar
|
|
Aurangabad
|
|
6
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
Naya Raipur
|
|
7
|
|
Delhi
|
|
Sarai Kale Khan
|
|
8
|
|
Haryana
|
|
Bhiwani
|
|
9
|
|
Haryana
|
|
Rohtak
|
|
10
|
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
Mandi
|
|
11
|
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
Sarkaghat
|
|
12
|
|
Jammu & Kashmir
|
|
Jammu
|
|
13
|
|
Jharkhand
|
|
Jamshedpur
|
|
14
|
|
Karnatka
|
|
Bellary
|
|
15
|
|
Kerala
|
|
Eddappa
|
|
16
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
Chhindawara
|
|
17
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
Indore
|
|
18
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
Pune
|
|
19
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
Lature
|
|
20
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
Nagpur
|
|
21
|
|
Manipur
|
|
Imphal
|
|
22
|
|
Nagaland
|
|
Dimapur
|
|
23
|
|
Odisha
|
|
Jeypore
|
|
24
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
Rajasmand
|
|
25
|
|
Sikkim
|
|
Pakyong
|
|
26
|
|
Telangana
|
|
Karimnagar
|
|
27
|
|
Tripura
|
|
Agartala
|
|
28
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
Kanpur
|
|
29
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
Rai Baraily
|
|
30
|
|
Uttarakhand
|
|
Dehradun
|
|
31
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
Kolkata
This information was given by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
MJPS
(Visitor Counter : 1634
Prime Minister's Office
PM acknowledges the efforts of National Science Centre Delhi for organizing Astro Night Sky Tourism at Kartavyapath
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has acknowledged the efforts of National Science Centre Delhi for organizing Astro Night Sky Tourism at Kartavyapath.
Responding to a tweet by National Science Centre Delhi, the Prime Minister said;
"Interesting effort to ignite curiosity towards space and astronomy among our youth."
Prime Minister's Office
PM receives a copy of Braille version of Assamese Dictionary ‘Hemkosh'
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has received a copy of the Braille version of Assamese Dictionary ‘Hemkosh' from Shri Jayanta Baruah. Hemkosh was among the earliest Assamese dictionaries dating back to the 19th century. Shri Modi complimented Shri Jayanta Baruah and his team for his efforts leading to the publication of the Braille version.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"Glad to have received a copy of the Braille version of ‘Hemkosh’, which was among the earliest Assamese dictionaries dating back to the 19th century. I compliment Mr. Jayanta Baruah and his team for his efforts leading to the publication of the Braille version."
Ministry of Textiles
Stakeholders Suggestions for New Textiles Policy 2020
Ministry of Textiles Formulating New Textiles Policy 2020
The Ministry of Textiles is in the process of formulating a New Textiles Policy 2020 with a vision to develop a competitive textile sector which is modern, sustainable and inclusive with special focus on manufacture of apparel and garment, technical textiles, Man-made fibre products and exports while maintaining pre-eminent position in handicrafts and handlooms sectors.
The Ministry of Textiles is requesting substantive inputs and suggestions from all stakeholders including individuals and associations on various topics likewool, cotton, silk, jute, man-made fibre, handloom, handicraft, powerloom, infrastructure, investment, apparel, exports, branding and quality control, technical textiles, human resource, technology and machinery up-gradation to take forward various sub sectors of Textiles Industry to a level where production, exports and employment grows at faster pace. The entire effort is being made to realize the Prime Minister’s vision of “Make in India” for the country and for identifying one strong product with export potential from every district and cluster.
Inputs and suggestions for the New Textiles Policy 2020 may be given on Textiles Ministry’s website www.texmin.nic.in  by 15th of January 2020.
Ministry of Earth Sciences
RESEARCH ON HIMALAYAN REGION
Scientists of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, while studying the glaciers in the upper Kali Ganga valley, Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, Himalaya, found that the 5 km long unnamed glacier , covering an area of ~ 4 km2 in Kuthi Yankti valley , abruptly changed its main course and merged with an adjacent glacier named Sumzurkchanki, due to changes in climate and tectonic forcing sometime between the Last Glacial Maxima  and Holocene .
The Government encourages further research and study on the Himalayan region to find solutions to frequent natural calamities.
The government encourages research on the natural calamities in the Himalayan region by numerous research institutes, universities, IITs, IISc, etc. Ministry of Earth Sciences  through its National Centre for Seismology is involved in the research using the recorded earthquake data to understand various phenomena related to earthquake processes and seismic hazard assessment particularly for Himalayan region. The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology has been pursuing research in understanding the causes and consequences of earthquakes, landslides and avalanches in the Himalaya with a view to provide mitigation measures.
This information was given by the Minister of State  for M/o Earth Sciences and M/o Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
President's Secretariat
Press Communique
The President of India is pleased to appoint Shri KeshariNathTripathi, Governor of West Bengal to discharge the functions of the Governor of Tripura, in addition to his own duties, during the absence on leave of Shri Tathagata Roy, Governor of Tripura.